Six Tips for Keeping the Workplace Safe for the Holidays

By, Robert Box

Many employers hold some form of holiday celebration, be it dinner, an informal gathering, or a full-blown party for employees and guests. Celebrations should be fun, but they should also be safe. Unfortunately, some safety concerns are overlooked when the holiday season calls for decoration or celebration. Here are some tips to keep in mind as your office prepares to decorate and/or celebrate.

1. Hold A Holiday Committee Meeting

Hold a meeting for those involved in planning and implementing the decoration and holiday celebration event. Review all rules, especially those involving safety and health, and ensure everyone understands the rules (examples of rules are below). Documenting the meeting topics, attendees, and date are always a good idea.

2. Check Fire Equipment

It’s a good idea to verify all fire safety equipment is inspected to ensure it is not only present, but also in good working order. Ensure all smoke detectors are working and verify all fire extinguishers are properly hung, easily accessible, fully charged, and the annual inspection tag has been updated within the last year.

3. Don’t Obstruct Egress Signage, Fire Equipment or Fire Suppression Devices

Whether decorating at your own workplace or elsewhere, ensure decorations are not draped over or hung on fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, over egress signs or any other safety sign or safety equipment.

4. Don’t Obstruct Egress

It is essential to ensure holiday decorations in no way compromises the ability of workers and visitors to safely and quickly exit the area in an emergency. Don’t place trees, gifts, freestanding decorations or items in front of emergency exits or in emergency passageways. In general, planning should be done to ensure decorations don’t create dangerous tripping hazards. Carefully plan the use and routing of extension cords.

5. Prevent Electrical Fires

Avoid covering extension cords with a rug or overloading a circuit by using multi-plug outlet adapters. Don’t “daisy-chain” extension cords or power strips by plugging one extension cord or power strip into another. Some Christmas light strands are designed to be plugged into each other, but each manufacturer specifies a limit –don’t exceed the limit.

Inspect extension cords prior to use to ensure there is no damage to the insulation. Check the strain relief near the head of the plug to ensure it is in good shape and does not have exposed wires. Also check to make sure the ground prong is in place.

Take care to place lighting clear of combustible materials as some lighting can create excessive heat over extended periods of time. It is also recommended to disallow open flames of any sort –candles or otherwise.

6. Reconsider Alcohol for Office Parties

Most staff attorneys and HR professionals will advise against serving alcohol at company functions. Whether the holiday party is at the office, at an offsite location like a restaurant, or even at someone’s home, the employer is responsible for the safety of workers and guests. The best advice and policy is not to serve alcohol, or even have alcohol available for consumption during the employer’s holiday celebration.

However, if alcohol will be served at the employer’s holiday function, it’s essential to make alternative transportation arrangements for employees and guests. Alcohol consumption should be monitored and those showing signs of inebriation should be cut off. Food and non-alcoholic drinks should also be made available.

Have Fun and Be Safe

By taking the time to properly plan and following a few simple safety tips, employers can responsibly decorate the workplace and/or give a holiday party for employees without spoiling the fun with injuries or possible damage to property. With a little care, your holiday office decorations and holiday parties will be remembered as being enjoyable rather than unsafe.